Lasting Memories

Val Blanchette
March 27, 1933-Feb. 20, 2026
Portola Valley, California

Eleanor Anna Valerie Blanchette - Val to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on February 20th, 2026 at the age of 92, surrounded by her youngest child, his wife and their twin girls, and a menagerie of horses, dogs, cats – one of which she named, and even a steer Robert and his wife raised; her last year of life was filled with love, affection, and constant attention, for which we are all forever grateful.

Born on March 27, 1933 in Liverpool, England, Val lived a long and meaningful life defined by her deep love for family, her strength, and quiet generosity. She witnessed nearly a century of life; from post-war England, to Canada, then Arizona, to raising her family in Portola Valley, then to South Bend, Indiana, a short stay in San Juan Bautista, and finally to Florida.

Val was known for her wit, her humor, her kindness, and her dedication to helping those in need. Val will continue in the minds of those who knew her, because, she was quite simply, unforgettable.

She was the proud mother of six children, to whom she dedicated her life. Her home was always a place of warmth and acceptance - the door was always open, to everyone. Val earned a double-master’s degree from Stanford, while raising six kids, and dedicated her professional life to medicine and health care.

She is survived by five of her six children; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild - with another arriving soon; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

If you would like to recognize Val's memory, please reach out to someone in need, lend a hand to someone misunderstood - find a simple way to reach across a divide; this is how you can see that Val’s light shines in our world today.

A service will be held on June 6th, on the Mid-Peninsula she loved, at a time and place to be determined. We will post details in the coming weeks. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate a life well lived.